Thursday, 25 October 2012

AUSTRALIA ON COLLINS

An art deco style retail centre fronting both Collins and Little Collins Streets, "Australia on Collins" features some of Australia’s best known fashion outlets anchored by Country Road and David Lawrence, together with Australia’s leading crafts retailer Lincraft. There are over 60 fashion, take away food and restaurant outlets located within the centre. The centre features an observatory lift in one of Australia’s largest atriums which links into Melbourne’s renowned Novotel on Collins Hotel.

Located between Swanston and Elizabeth Street on Collins Street, the site in 1877 was Gunsler’s Café which became Melbourne’s favourite meeting place. Collins Street in 1877 became a dress promenade every afternoon at four o’clock in which ladies displayed their personal taste in millinery in lavish profusion on what was termed locally as “The ‘Block”. In 1890 two Austrians - Edlinger and Goetz became proprietors of the Café and renamed it “The Vienna”. It became the centre of social life in Melbourne during the last quarter of the century. To be seen at “The Vienna” was a social ‘must’. Many a business deal or a new relationship was consumated at “The Vienna”.

Australia on Collins is continuing its celebration of the seasons with the second in its installation sequence, "Spring Takes Flight". This features floral artistry, exotic birds and antique birdcages reflecting the Spring season’s new beginnings.This post is part of the Signs, Signs meme.